On August 1, 2005, a Cessna 170B (registration N6946C) operated by James P. Orr was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control and altitude during a bounced landing, exacerbated by gusty wind conditions that lifted the left wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A solo private pilot practicing wheel landings experienced a bounced landing where wind gusts lifted the left wing, causing the right wing and propeller to strike the ground.
What happened
The accident involved a tailwheel-equipped aircraft operated by a solo private pilot. The pilot reported that he was conducting practice sessions for wheel landings at the time of the incident. During the specific landing attempt in question, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown. A subsequent gust of wind lifted the left wing of the airplane. This aerodynamic shift caused the right wing to strike the ground first. Following this initial impact, the propeller and the left wing also struck the surface. Both wings sustained structural damage as a result of these impacts.
The investigation
The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's report regarding the sequence of events. No mechanical examination findings were provided in the source material beyond the visible damage to the wings.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control and altitude during a bounced landing, exacerbated by gusty wind conditions that lifted the left wing.